The Los Angeles Dodgers have made a move to strengthen their roster by signing Jonathan Araúz to a Minor League contract, with expectations of including him among the non-roster invitees for the upcoming 2024 spring training.

Araúz, who has played in parts of four seasons in Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and most recently the New York Mets, will bring his experience to the Dodgers. The 25-year-old infielder began his professional career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization in 2015 before joining the Houston Astros farm system.

Araúz’s potential was evident in 2019, when he was selected by the Red Sox in the Rule 5 Draft. He progressed through the Red Sox’s minor league ranks and made his MLB debut during the 2020 season, appearing in 25 games.

In 2022, Araúz was once again selected in the Rule 5 Draft, this time by the Mets. It was during this season that he had his best performance in professional baseball. Playing for the Triple-A Syracuse Mets, he posted a batting average of.239/.340/.415 with 14 home runs, 53 RBIs, and 59 runs scored in 100 games.

Throughout the 2023 season, Araúz primarily played at shortstop in Triple-A but also saw playing time at second base and third base. Defensively, he has shown reliability, although he has encountered some challenges at shortstop. With the Mets, Araúz mainly played at second and third base, committing just one error throughout the season. In 59 at-bats, he had a.491 on-base plus slugging percentage, hitting three home runs and driving in nine runs.

By signing Araúz, the Dodgers ensure they have additional infield depth in their Minor League system if the need arises. They already have veteran defensive specialist Miguel Rojas under contract, providing them with a reliable option for Gold Glove-caliber defense up the middle. The Dodgers are expected to give Gavin Lux a chance to play regularly at shortstop, leaving second base to Mookie Betts.

Araúz’s versatility in playing multiple infield positions is advantageous for the Dodgers, who have emphasized lineup flexibility in recent years. The team has been actively adding to their organizational depth by also signing players such as Travis Swaggerty, Austin Beck, Nabil Crismatt, Daniel Hudson, Mike Flynn, and Lolo Sanchez.